Both being mammals, the basic life cycle of human beings and rats is more or less on the same pattern of growth. In fact, so is the case with other mammals as well. The major difference amongst other mammals and the human race is the variation in their lifespan.

Since human beings have a higher life expectancy, the growth is also spread out over a number of years. On the other hand, the smaller mammals such as rats have a comparatively condensed growth rate. The differences are noticeable right from the stage of conception.

The gestation phase in rats lasts anywhere between 21 to 28 days. The babies are born with poor eyesight and the eyes open up only after about a fortnight from birth. However, the ability to hear and smell is rather sharp even at a younger stage. The babies essentially feed on the mother’s milk and should not be weaned off before 4 weeks. Rats commence eating solids at a very young stage as their teeth develop very soon.

The mother rat takes on the responsibility of nurturing the young ones all alone without the aid of its mate. The period between 2 to 6 weeks of age is considered to be most crucial for the development of rats in all respects; be it physical, mental or social. The doe decides to abandon the litter at about 6 weeks from birth. By this time, the male and female species are known to have attained fertility. However, at times does conceive at about 3 and half weeks as well. The growth period in the life cycle of a rat lasts till 12 to 14 weeks of age. The males are known to weigh 400 to 700 grams, while the females attain a weight of about 200 to 500 grams. The average lifespan of a rat is about 2 years. With a healthy diet and supervision or care, some may reach to 3 years or even more.

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